Laser.eps Nationals at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club - Day 1

The first race of the 2000 EPS National Championship started in bright sunshine and a force 2-3 breeze. It didn’t take long for Andrew Knowles of Royal Tay Yacht Club to make his mark on the event, as he eased into a comfortable lead by halfway through the first race. With the race safely in the bag, Knowles then proceeded to head for the line a lap early with the chasing pack following obediently. As the competitors crossed the line to silence, most realised their mistake and proceeded to finish the course. The top two positions were unaffected with Ian Johnson of Burtley SC taking second behind Knowles, and Peter Taylor of Dalgety benefiting by spotting the mistake early to take third.

Race 2 saw Knowles stamp his dominance on the day with another easy win. Emma Paull pulled through the fleet strongly on the last lap to take second, with Johnson just securing third after a luffing match with Taylor on the last reach.

The fleet split up the first beat of race 3, with those heading left coming out on top, led by the now familiar face of Knowles. However, an increase in the breeze seemed to suit the sturdier frame of Johnson who decided not to let the speedy Scot have it all his own way. Despite a strong challenge from Johnson, he eventually had to settle for second with Emma Paull emerging from the chasing pack to take third.

Results: after 3 races

Pos Helm           R1 R2 R3 Pts
-------------------------------
1st Andrew Knowles  1  1  1   3
2nd Ian Johnson     2  3  2   7
3rd Emma Paull      4  2  3   9

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Laser.eps Page
• Dalgety Bay Sailing Club